“U.S. Wind Energy Potential Barely Tapped”
An analysis from the National Renewable Energy laboratory shows that onshore U.S. wind resources could generate more than nine times current total U.S. electricity consumption. That’s nearly 37-million gigawatt-hours. Current U.S. wind installed capacity is 35 GW and there is currently 158 GW installed world-wide.
The latest U.S. estimate of potential capacity is three times that determined in a survey done previously by the Pacific Northwest Laboratory. AWEA says the larger estimates are due to improved wind turbine technology, with today’s taller turbines tapping better winds at higher elevations, and to more refined wind measurements.
Texas, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Iowa, Wyoming, Oklahoma and New Mexico are the top 10 states in onshore wind potential.
The analysis was originally developed by AWS Truewind LLC, a New York-based firm that provides consulting and solutions for wind and solar energy companies. Dr. Michael Brower, Chief Technical Officer for the firm, told All Ag, All Day that “there’s far more than enough wind to provide – not all of our electricity – but 20 to 30% of our total electricity needs”. You can hear his interview by clicking on the Agribusiness Report tab to the left.
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“EU Expects to Reach Renewable Energy Target”
An analysis by the European Wind Energy Association indicates that the EU will meet its 2020, 20-percent renewable energy target – even exceed it. In fact, of 21 member states, 13 will meet the 20 percent target and 8 will exceed their national targets.
The top nation is Spain, which believes it will reach 22.7 percent renewables by 2020. Next on the list is Germany which expects to be 0.7 percent above its 18-percent target.
Only six forecast they will not manage to reach their target Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Bulgaria and Denmark, though the latter two countries state that with fresh national initiatives they could meet or exceed their targets. None of the six expect to be more than 1 percent below their target.
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“Commission in Place to Tackle Federal Budget”
President Obama has signed an executive order creating a bipartisan commission to address the government’s budget problems. The President acknowledges that he is asking its members to attempt “the impossible.” Republican leaders reluctantly consented to join the panel as they continue to reject any solution that involves higher taxes. Analysts in both parties say the effort faces a dauntingly poisoned political atmosphere.
In making the announcement President Obama said, – the trajectory is clear, and it is disturbing. But the politics of dealing with chronic deficits is fraught with hard choices, and, therefore, it’s treacherous to officeholders here in Washington. One should not get too excited. Mr. Obama has given the panel until December 1 to deliver a solution. That would be after the fall elections and the legislative isles may be full of lame-ducks.
Obama said – everything is on the table – in the quest to balance spending and tax collections by 2015. This suggests he is willing to abandon his campaign pledge not to raise taxes on the middle class. Something, Republicans say they will not consider. Former Clinton chief of staff Erskine Bowles and former Republican Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming will chair the commission.
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“FB Making Moves on EPA Endangerment Finding”
In a letter sent to all Members of Congress – American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman is calling for the adoption of the resolution of disapproval of the EPA’s endangerment finding and proposed regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. Stallman says a Congressional member can show support for agriculture by introducing a resolution of disapproval and adding their name to a discharge petition to bring the resolution to the floor for a vote.
But Stallman says the effort to halt EPA’s misguided regulation can’t succeed without bipartisan support and leadership from members on both sides of the aisle. He says Democrats and Republicans need to work together and avoid partisan fights to halt regulation that could critically injure the U.S. economy.
The resolution of disapproval has been introduced in the Senate and is expected to be voted on in a few weeks. It would only require a 51-vote majority to pass.
In related news – Farm Bureau has filed a legal challenge to the EPA’s endangerment finding. Stallman says EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from farms and ranches through the Clean Air Act could lead to costly and burdensome mandates on America’s food, fiber and renewable fuel producers – and the U.S. Court of Appeals needs to conduct a thorough review of the endangerment finding.
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“NFU Thanks Ag Secretary for Call to Bring Biodiesel Tax Credit Back”
During his address to USDA’s annual Agricultural Outlook Forum – U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack called on Congress to reestablish the expired biodiesel tax credit – citing it as a job creator in rural America. The dollar per gallon tax credit expired at the end of 2009. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson on Friday thanked the Secretary for recognizing the importance of the blenders’ tax credit for future development and delivery of biodiesel.
NFU has long supported the tax credit for biodiesel – recognizing the role tax incentives play in making biodiesel available to consumers. Johnson says they’ll continue to work with Congress to emphasize the importance of the credit to America’s farmers and ranchers.
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“Grains Council Conference Highlights Importance of Free Trade”
Without free trade agreements between the U.S. and markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia – U.S. Grains Council Directors warn the U.S. risks losing export competitiveness. Speaking during the Council’s 7th International Marketing Conference – USGC Regional Director in Panama Kurt Schultz said the fact that pending deals with Colombia and Panama have not been ratified is one of the biggest threats facing the U.S.
According to Schultz – Colombia is the largest market for U.S. corn in the region – and holds great export potential due to its expanding livestock, swine and poultry industries. But until a free trade agreement is ratified – he says the United States will be at a disadvantage. A similar warning came from the Council’s Regional Director in Southeast Asia Adel Yusopov. Yusopov said the U.S. is long overdue in recognizing the economic significance of Southeast Asia and its potential for U.S. ag exports.
You can listen to Schultz’ presentation – and all of the other presentations from the Conference – by clicking on the 2010 U.S. Grains Council Annual Meeting tab to the left.
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“Alternative Way to Treat Bunt Disease Possible”
Potato tuber moths, apple codling moths and tilletia fungi cause bunt diseases. To date, the problem in wheat has been controlled by chemical fungicide seed treatments. But that hasn’t kept researchers from looking for alternative controls, just in case those chemicals lose effectiveness or are discontinued. What they have found is that a cocktail of compounds emitted by the beneficial fungus Muscodor albus may offer a biologically based way to fumigate certain crops and rid them of destructive pests.
In field trials conducted since 2007, ARS plant pathologist Blair Goates found that treating wheat seed or the soil with a formulation of Muscodor and ground rye completely prevented common bunt under moderate disease conditions.
Testing Muscodor against potato tuber moths, which damage potato leaves and tubers, and apple codling moths, which feed inside apples, researchers found that 85 to 91 percent of adult codling moths died when exposed to Muscodor fumes, while 62 to 71 percent of larvae died or failed to pupate. In apple storage tests, a 14-day exposure to Muscodor killed 100 percent of cocooned codling moth larvae, which are especially difficult to control.
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“Giant Step Taken in River Restoration Project”
The largest river restoration project in U.S. history is one step closer to becoming reality. Last week, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, PacificCorp Chief Executive Officer Greg Abel and the chairmen of the Klamath, Yurok and Karuk Tribes in announcing final agreements that could potentially lead to removal of four dams on the Klamath River.
The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement provide a framework for removal of the dams by 2020. This is contingent on Congressional approval and a scientific assessment by the Interior Department confirming that their removal is indeed in the public interest. The agreements also outline activities that would be undertaken to restore fisheries and provide water supply certainty to communities and water users in the Basin.
In announcing the agreements, Secretary Salazar said – the Klamath River, which for years was synonymous with controversy, is now a stunning example of how cooperation and partnership can resolve difficult conflicts. Governor Schwarzenegger said – everyone here cares about the magnificent Klamath River and we are taking action now to preserve this natural wonder for generations to come.
